Following the recent release of the US Defense Department's Annual Report on the Military Power of the People's Republic of China, Taiwan released its own defense White Paper, the most noteworthy aspect of which was that it indicated a change in Tai-pei's strategic thinking.
The massive firepower and high-tech precision weapons used in modern warfare often guarantee early victory. They will also be key elements in any future war in the Taiwan Strait and any consequent international intervention. It is worth reflecting on what kind of strategy Taipei should adopt if it faces war.
Taiwan's capacity to endure the ravages of war is extremely limited. It will have to take offensive action if it is to stop enemy troops landing here. Offshore full-scale engagement is the only option; the main battlefield can't be allowed to expand to Taiwan proper under any circumstances.
A decisive naval-air battle should therefore be one of the important strategic concepts of our defense preparations. Otherwise Taiwan will be forced on to the defensive. A decisive shore battle would be extremely costly. Only by winning the battle offshore can casualties and property damage be minimized.
Given the need to win the war early, Taiwan must maintain considerable military power. To minimize casualties on both sides, however, Taiwan will have to engage in negotiations while hostilities are underway. If Bei-jing's aggression continues, Tai-wan will have to launch military counterattacks, such as destroying the enemy's important military facilities, bridges, airports, transport routes and political-economic hubs.
China must understand that a war would trigger various developments in the international scene that would run counter to its interests. Especially deleterious would be US and Japanese intervention, including support for a declaration of Taiwanese independence, US citation of the notion that Taiwan's status remains undetermined and the rise of Japanese political forces demanding re-annexation of Taiwan. Taiwan needs to first strengthen and solidify its defense forces if it is to pose a strong military deterrent or have a decent bargaining position.
Taiwan's defense should be built on maintaining combat capability. The strategy of full-scale air and naval engagement offshore should be adopted and air and naval deterrence and electromagnetic warfare capabilities must be strengthened so that air superiority can be gained early on. It must also maintain counter-attack capabilities. Facilities at the air bases in Hualien and Taitung should be strengthened and use of Ilan airport should be resumed. The air bases in eastern Taiwan should be used as defensive strongholds, while appropriate air power must be maintained at the Taoyuan air base. Important bases must be moved underground to eliminate their vulnerability to missile attacks.
Anti-landing strategic thinking must be revised and aggressive air and naval offensive strategies adopted. A mixture of defensive and offensive tactics must form the combat guidelines for the defense of Taiwan and Penghu. Troops will have to be used aggressively. Combat opportunities are often lost with the slightest procrastination. Military investments for bases on offshore islands can be reduced because those islands are too difficult to defend.
Strengthening air, naval and electromagnetic warfare capabilities, adopting aggressive strategies and revising traditional strategic planning are all aimed at providing effective deterrence. They are also compatible with the modern strategic environment and electronic warfare, and will ensure lasting security for Taiwan.
Chang Yan-ting is a colonel in the ROC air force and an associate professor at the department of international studies at the Political Warfare College.
Translated by Francis Huang
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